Comments on: Can Thais Laugh at Themselves?

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:56:45 +0000

Maybe the problem people are having is that some of the items on the list are SO far-fetched and exaggerated and others are closer to the truth. Like the naming thing. That one isn't offensive, is it? But it's on the same list as some of the more absurd behavior only done by a minority of the more assholey types.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:40:58 +0000

Just stumbled on your blog and you have a new devoted follower Greg!

I have been living in Bangkok for almost a year now and saw this article on CNNgo, and totally loved it! I thought it was so funny and very true, whether Thai people like it or not, kudos to your friend for putting it out there! I did not know that many Thai people were upset about it though, not surprising though. I do feel, in my experience, that Thai people do have a 'different' sense of humor than I am used to 🙂

I thought the article was so good and inspiring I actually wrote my own idea of how to really live like a local in Bangkok. I did feel like the article was mostly based on how "hi-so" Thai people live in Bangkok and wanted to share how I see it in my small area just outside the city. http://www.onedayillflyaway.com/2012/07/how-to-really-live-like-local-in-bangkok.html

Anyways, great post, looking forward to reading more and following your blog.

Cheers!
Elizabeth

By: Berkeley

Berkeley — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:13:27 +0000

nice. i like how you missed citing comments like this one: "After 10+ years in Bangkok, I'll give your author a humble laugh - do some homework on-site, instead of broadcasting hollow clichés ;-)"

By: Jay

Jay — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 03:04:28 +0000

Nice take on that article Greg. I appreciate the Thai's patriotism but the 'head in the sand' approach to problems and conflict has never served their best interests. On a somewhat related note, I have a colleague who just moved here from Vietnam and he was impressed at how orderly the Thai's queued up for the elevator.

By: Sachin

Sachin — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 02:07:15 +0000

Being an Asian, Its not only Thai's but Asians in general can't laugh at themselves. I'm from India and when someone make remarks like ..ohh the place smells like curry...Indians get angry...or if someone points out that Indians smells like curry...That would be a national news...if some farang says..get a deo dude to an Indian...all hell will break loose...

We could just laugh at it and say..yeah, I'm in the process of manufacturing curry suppressant deo now etc...

The other usual response i have seen from Asians is...If you don't like it here...you are free to go...

In this regard..Farangs are way way cooler ...Asians can't handle a farang making a joke on us..we are not yet intellectually mature to digest this yet...

Its my personal suggestion to all farangs...if you like your friends in Asia and not like to piss them off..never ever point the obvious to them or make sarcastic or funny remarks on the country...you may loose the friendship .. hahaha and you may be left to wonder...what..what did i just say?

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 01:24:38 +0000

Thanks Oakmonster, it is indeed best to be jai yen and to take it all in stride. It's much less easier on the blood pressure. :)

By: V

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:36:23 +0000

"Friend: Yes, but Thais are not so open."

Well, like you said, the author was Thai so your friend is wrong. Apparently Thai's are that open. Case Closed.

By: oakmonster

oakmonster — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:55:15 +0000

I think the article will be a LOT more well received if it was written in Thai.

Thais get angry when an outsider points out their flaws, even if it's well known. Case in point, Lady Gaga and her fake Rolex tweet. Since the article was written in GOOD ENGLISH, it can't possibly be written by a Thai and therefore OH MY GOD a farang is pointing out our dark underbelly. We can't possibly have THAT! Cue the army of flaming trolls charging up the interweb.

And before you fling anything at me, คนไทยเหมือนกันเจ้า ล้อเล่นกันเอง ขำกันเอง สนุกๆกันบ้าง อย่าเครียดเลยจ้ะ